Soc. I want to know whether by his countrymen they are regarded as one or two;
or do they, as the names are three, distinguish also three kinds, and assign
one to each name?

Theod. I dare say that the Stranger will not object to discuss the question.
What do you say, Stranger?

Stranger. I am far from objecting, Theodorus, nor have I any difficulty in
replying that by us they are regarded as three. But to define precisely the
nature of each of them is by no means a slight or easy task.

Theod. You have happened to light, Socrates, almost on the very question which
we were asking our friend before we came hither, and he excused himself to us,
as he does now you; although he admitted that the matter had been fully
discussed, and that he remembered the answer.

Soc. Then do not, Stranger, deny us the first favour which we ask of you: I am
sure that you will not, and therefore I shall only beg of you to say whether
you like and are accustomed to make a long oration on a subject which you want
to explain to another, or to proceed by the method of question and answer. I
remember hearing a very noble discussion in which Parmenides employed the
latter of the two methods, when I was a young man, and he was far advanced in
years. Str. I prefer to talk with another when he responds pleasantly, and is
light in hand; if not, I would rather have my own say.

Soc. Any one of the present company will respond kindly to you, and you can
choose whom you like of them; I should recommend you to take a young
person - Theaetetus, for example - unless you have a preference for some one else.

Str. I feel ashamed, Socrates, being a new comer into your society, instead of
talking a little and hearing others talk, to be spinning out a long soliloquy
or address, as if I wanted to show off. For the true answer will certainly be
a very long one, a great deal longer than might be expected from such a short
and simple question. At the same time, I fear that I may seem rude and
ungracious if I refuse your courteous request, especially after what you have
said. For I certainly cannot object to your proposal, that Theaetetus should
respond, having already conversed with him myself, and being recommended by
you to take him.